His words had not yet finished when Wu Qing raised his hand to stop him, and he dared not speak further.
He knew the young master was a cold-blooded and ruthless person. Such a person, he thought, could no longer be attracted by anything in his life. Who knew that one day he would fall for a woman and be so persistent? He feared this matter would ultimately be a disaster.
"Alright, stop thinking too much."
Wu Qing's words were always faint, sounding ethereal and otherworldly, yet they were so cold that no one dared to disregard them.
Qing Feng no longer spoke, looking towards the kitchen with the young master. Ming Yue and the other few who had been clamoring moments ago were now silent. Qing Feng couldn't help but ask curiously, "Why is there no movement?"
"Shall we go take a look?"
Wu Qing spoke, and Qing Feng pushed him as they walked over.
Through the half-open window, they saw the woman in the kitchen busily working with nimble hands and feet. Her movements were extremely elegant as she chopped and stir-fried.
Soon, a fragrant aroma wafted from the kitchen, and the few people standing outside simultaneously swallowed.
They had never smelled such delicious food. These men, they only cared if the food was edible, how could they possibly make such good-looking and fragrant dishes? They just didn't know if they tasted good.
Ming Yue couldn't resist rushing in, saying with a sheepish grin.
"Sister, is there anything I can help with?"
As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on the beautiful dishes on the table.
My goodness, they were absolutely no less than dishes from a grand restaurant. Seizing an opportunity when no one was paying attention, he quickly pinched a piece and put it in his mouth, soon exclaiming, "Heavens, it's so fragrant! I never expected Sister's cooking to be so good. What a waste, what a waste."
After speaking, Ming Yue reached out his hand to pinch a second piece. Qing Yao extended her hand and slapped him, saying sternly.
"Have you washed your hands? Serve the dishes immediately, we're ready to eat."
As soon as her voice fell, the servants standing outside the kitchen rushed in. Each carrying a plate, they went out and quickly set a table full of dishes. The aroma and appearance were mouth-watering, and everyone gathered around the table, dazzled by the sight. They almost felt reluctant to eat.
Qing Yao smiled, scanned everyone, and said, "Eat, taste my cooking. I've never cooked for others before."
Upon hearing this, half of the people were so shocked their jaws almost dropped. What if such beautiful food couldn't be eaten? However, Ming Yue, who had already tasted it, couldn't wait any longer. He extended his chopsticks and said without reservation:
"If you don't eat, I will. Sister's cooking is truly excellent."
With others' mouths softened by good food, these words were perfectly exemplified by Ming Yue. He was usually not seen with such a sweet mouth. At this moment, he was so affectionate, calling her 'Sister' with every bite.
After Ming Yue ate, the others hesitantly reached out their chopsticks. Who knew that once they tasted it, they were unable to stop? It was indeed delicious.
Mo Chou and Mo You were also amazed. They never knew their master's cooking was so good. How could a young lady from a prominent family make such delicious food? Although confused, eating was more important now.
Wu Qing, unlike the others who were eager, ate slowly. Qing Yao picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork ribs and gently placed it in his bowl.
"Wu Qing, eat more. You're too thin, a gust of wind could blow you away."
She spoke casually, but as soon as she finished, she found everyone at the round table had stopped eating and were looking at her uniformly, causing her face to blush instantly.
It seemed she had spoken a bit too intimately. She quickly buried her head in her food. Beside her, Wu Qing glared at everyone expressionlessly, and immediately everyone lowered their heads to eat.
The meal was incredibly satisfying, everyone ate until they were stuffed. The table was littered with empty plates and dishes, a scene of disarray.
Mu Qing Yao gave an order: "Ming Yue, this is yours."
With that, she led her people away.
Ming Yue stood there stunned. He looked around again, and everyone was gone. They had all slipped away. He foolishly thought, was this meal too overwhelming? But it was truly delicious. It would be better to be obedient, and she could cook for him again next time.
Qing Yao led Mo Chou and Mo You back to her room. Scanning the surroundings to ensure no one was paying attention to them, she said with a grave expression.
"Mo Chou, my zither practice is complete. I plan to leave the valley tonight. You two prepare."
"Okay," Mo Chou nodded. She knew her master had been practicing the zither diligently because she was thinking of Mei Xin's revenge, which was why she was so anxious and obsessed.
"But what about Little Fish?"
Mo You looked at Little Fish beside them. Qing Yao and Mo Chou looked over. Yes, Little Fish was only a few months old. If they brought her along, it would likely be inconvenient for their movements.
Mu Qing Yao walked up to Little Fish and looked at her. "Little Fish, I'll leave you in the valley. Someone will take care of you. I have something to do outside the valley and will return soon."
Little Fish opened her eyes wide, feeling unwilling. However, since she had made up her mind, it was unlikely she would change it. She just hoped her mother wouldn't forget her.
"I will return."
Mu Qing Yao knew what she was thinking and replied directly. Although there were still unresolved issues in her heart, she was, after all, her own flesh and blood. Moreover, besides her, she really had nowhere else to go.
Little Fish finally felt relieved upon hearing her words. Then go, her mother must have unfinished business.
The three of them settled the matter of leaving the valley in the room. In the afternoon, Qing Yao practiced the zither for a while in her room. Wu Qing did not come to find her, but thinking of her departure, Qing Yao felt a pang of guilt.
However, if she told Wu Qing, he would definitely not let her leave the valley, or he would send Ming Yue and Qing Feng to accompany her. But this matter, she wanted to handle it herself. She would not let Chang Sun Yin go.
A cold killing intent flashed in her eyes.
He killed Mei Xin, and he must die.
That night, the moonlight was clear, casting gentle radiance over the entire valley. The surroundings were quiet and silent, and all things were asleep.
Qing Yao instructed Mo Chou and Mo You to stay in the room. She wanted to go see Wu Qing.
Qingfeng and Xiaoyue, stone steps before the flowers, the night deepening and the dew heavy, Qing Yao gracefully walked towards Wu Qing's room.
However, the room was neat, and there was no one there. So late, where had Wu Qing gone? She raised her eyebrows in confusion and turned to leave.
She originally intended to go back, but then she turned towards the back mountain, thinking he might be there. Since she was leaving, she always wanted to see him one last time. She didn't know how long it would be before she returned after this departure.
The moonlight enveloped the entire back mountain.
The faint light was as thin as cicada wings. In the herb fields, a gentle breeze swayed, and various herbs emitted a fragrant aroma. This scent was also present on Wu Qing.
Upon the clear lake, the water shimmered, but there were no figures. Qing Yao glanced around and turned to leave. After taking a few steps, she heard voices from the small grove not far away, which made her suspicious. Who would be there so late?
Qing Yao tiptoed over and pushed aside the branches. She saw that in a clearing in the center of the small grove, several tall men were surrounding Wu Qing.